Lettuce Lake Park

Enjoy the great outdoors at this huge city park with wildlife, nature trails, a play area and canoeing on the water.

The scenic Lettuce Lake Park is 240 acres (97 hectares) of wetlands, forested areas and open spaces. It offers a host of recreational activities for all the family, including cycling and jogging trails, wooded picnic areas and a children’s playground.

Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the extensive boardwalk system. Leading from the visitor’s center, it runs into the wetlands and passes oak, pine and cypress trees. Along the route, you may see alligators, snakes, egrets and many other types of wildlife. Make sure you bring a camera with you. Many of the animals are camouflaged by the dense undergrowth, but keen eyes and patience will be rewarded with some fantastic photographs.

Meander along the boardwalk to reach a lookout tower. Climb up the stairs of its three levels for an elevated view of the lake and surrounding area. Take a separate nature trail or jog and cycle along the 1.25-mile (2-kilometer) paved path.

Lettuce Lake is so called because of the swamp lettuce plants that grow in vast quantities here. It’s not actually a lake. The shallow body of water is connected to the Hillsborough River at one end.

Enjoy a picnic by the water’s edge in one of the waterside shelters available for rent. For prices and details, visit Hillsborough County’s official website.

Many visitors come here to get on the water. Rent a single or double kayak or a canoe for a period of up to four hours.

To learn more about the flora and fauna around the lake, go to the visitor’s center to view its exhibits. On the weekends, there are free nature walks with park rangers. They meet every Saturday and Sunday at 8:30 a.m.

Lettuce Lake Park is open every day. Opening hours are seasonal, so check the park’s website before visiting.

Lodging Near Lettuce Lake Park

Holiday Inn Express Tampa North - Telecom Park

13294 Telecom Drive, Tampa

4.3

of 5, from 563 reviews

3.0 out of 5.0

Situated in the business district, this hotel is 0.9 mi (1.5 km) from Lettuce Lake Park and 2.9 mi (4.7 km) from University of South Florida. The Claw at USF and USF Baseball Stadium are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa North

8210 Hidden River Pkwy, Tampa

4.5

of 5, from 752 reviews

2.5 out of 5.0

Situated in Tampa, this hotel is 0.9 mi (1.5 km) from Lettuce Lake Park and within 3 mi (5 km) of The Claw at USF and Flatwoods Wilderness Park. University of South Florida and Adventure Island are also within 6 mi (10 km).

TownePlace Suites by Marriott Tampa North/I-75 Fletcher

6800 Woodstork Dr, Tampa

4.3

of 5, from 194 reviews

3.0 out of 5.0

Situated in Tampa, this hotel is 0.8 mi (1.3 km) from Lettuce Lake Park and within 3 mi (5 km) of The Claw at USF and USF Baseball Stadium. University of South Florida Contemporary Art Museum and USF Sun Dome are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Residence Inn by Marriott Tampa North-Fletcher Avenue

13420 N Telecom Pkwy, Tampa

4.5

of 5, from 107 reviews

3.0 out of 5.0

Situated in Tampa, this hotel is 0.7 mi (1.1 km) from Lettuce Lake Park and within 3 mi (5 km) of The Claw at USF and USF Baseball Stadium. University of South Florida and Adventure Island are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Hilton Garden Inn Tampa North Busch Gardens

13305 Tampa Oaks Blvd, Tampa

4.2

of 5, from 1,441 reviews

3.5 out of 5.0

Located in a nature preserve, this hotel is adjacent to Tampa Oaks corporate park and 2 miles from Lettuce Lake. The University of South Florida, Busch Gardens, and Adventure Island are within 6 miles.

Courtyard by Marriott Tampa North/I-75 Fletcher

13575 Cypress Glen Ln, Tampa

4.3

of 5, from 340 reviews

3.5 out of 5.0

Situated in Tampa, this hotel is 1 mi (1.6 km) from Lettuce Lake Park and within 3 mi (5 km) of Flatwoods Wilderness Park and Morris Bridge Park. University of South Florida and Adventure Island are also within 6 mi (10 km).

WoodSpring Suites Tampa Northeast

12162 Morris Bridge Rd, Tampa

3.8

of 5, from 159 reviews

2.0 out of 5.0

Situated in the business district, this hotel is 1.5 mi (2.5 km) from Lettuce Lake Park and 3 mi (4.9 km) from Flatwoods Wilderness Park. University of South Florida and Adventure Island are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Extended Stay America - Tampa - North - USF-Attractions

12242 Morris Bridge Rd, Tampa

3.3

of 5, from 393 reviews

2.5 out of 5.0

Situated in the business district, this hotel is within 3 mi (5 km) of Lettuce Lake Park, Flatwoods Wilderness Park, and Morris Bridge Park. University of South Florida and Adventure Island are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Oops!

Sorry, we are currently having problems connecting to our server. You can still download the app by clicking on the app-store buttons in our app page. Thank you!

We are having trouble processing your phone number. Try using this format: {{phoneNumberFormat}}. Thank you!

It looks like you just tried to enter a non-{{countryName}} phone number. Unfortunately, at this time we are only supporting {{countryName}} numbers. Please enter your number in the following format: {{phoneNumberFormat}}. Thank you!

Thank you! A text with the download link has been sent to your mobile device

Get the FREE Expedia App:

By providing your number, you agree to receive a one-time automated text message with a link to get the app. Our app offers promotions and booking services. No purchase necessary. Standard text message rates may apply.